Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has acknowledged that its COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, can lead to rare side effects, including a condition known as Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). This admission came through in court documents submitted to the High Court, marking an important point in the ongoing legal conflict over the vaccine's safety.
Covishield, developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford, has been the focus of a class-action complaint claiming significant harm and deaths from its administration. The lawsuit, which comprises 51 cases in the UK High Court, seeks damages rising to £100 million.
The first case, filed by Jamie Scott in 2023, highlights the severe impact of TTS, characterized by blood clots and low platelet counts. Scott, who received the Covishield vaccine in April 2021, suffered a permanent brain injury due to a blood clot and subsequent brain hemorrhage.
AstraZeneca's publication in legal action documents contradicts its previous status, which disagreed with a general link between the vaccination and TTS. However, the corporation continues to oppose claims of widespread vaccination flaws or exaggerated efficacy.
The admission emphasizes the risks connected with immunization, particularly rare adverse effects such as TTS. Despite this concession, AstraZeneca prioritizes patient safety, citing regulatory guidelines for the safe use of medications, including vaccinations.
TTS's rise and connection with Covishield have generated inquiries from regulators and legal action around the world. While independent studies have shown the vaccine's efficacy in battling the pandemic, concerns about uncommon side effects persist.
TTS, an extremely rare disease characterized by blood clots and low platelet counts, has been associated with Covishield after vaccination. However, AstraZeneca claims that TTS can occur even without immunization, requiring testimony from experts to identify causality-specific cases.
AstraZeneca's confession may open the door for significant settlements for injured individuals and their families, recognizing vaccine-related damage. Victims and their lawyers claim that the vaccine's efficacy has been overstated and its weaknesses have resulted in tragic consequences.
Following this incident, Dr. Dhruv Chauhan took to his Instagram account to share his thoughts. Dr. Dhruv stated over the situation that every medication has a certain amount of side effects. He emphasizes not to panic and to focus on healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and to perform a whole-body checkup at least once a year.
He further stated that the vaccine saves so many lives during the pandemic, but now receives criticism due to its unintentional side effects.
As legal processes progress, the focus remains on obtaining adequate compensation and recognition for vaccine-related injuries. Despite the acknowledgment, AstraZeneca's position on vaccination safety and efficacy remains controversial in the middle of ongoing legal fights and regulatory evaluations.
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary)
